SIMI VALLEY : Annual Carnival to Begin Today

Not everyone may have the gumption or the stomach to stroll through Dracula’s Castle or to hop on a thrill ride like the Spectacular Casino, a sort of human roulette wheel.

But not to worry. Dozens of other rides and attractions are available at this year’s Simi Valley Days carnival, which opens today and runs through Sunday. Gates open at 5 p.m. today.

The carnival is being held on the festival’s main grounds at the corner of Los Angeles Avenue and Madera Road. In addition to more than two dozen rides, the carnival will feature a merchant’s tent, festival organizer Bruce Sands said.

The tent will include 41 booths with everything from handmade porcelain bowls to temporary tattoos, he said.

Admission to the carnival and the merchant’s tent is $2 per person, festival Chairman Dick McCoy said. Youngsters 16 and under accompanied by their parents will be allowed in free on Thursday night.

Other events planned this week include a rodeo dance Friday from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $5 per person and $7.50 per couple.

The annual parade on Saturday will include 160 entries. It will begin at 9 a.m. and will run west along Los Angeles Avenue between Erringer and Madera roads.

McCoy said Simi Valley resident Dmitri Hunt has been named honorary grand marshal of this year’s parade for his efforts in raising more than $3,700 for the festival.

A rodeo begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday and at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children.

The carnival will be open until 10 tonight. It will also be open 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 11 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.